Chapter 2 Contract Marriage

Chloe's heart sank.

She took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice calm.

"Okay, I'll be right there." She hung up the phone, straightened her clothes, and slowly walked towards the CEO's office.

With each step, her heart pounded faster.

She had no idea why Donovan wanted to see her, but she had a bad feeling about it.

The CEO's office was on the top floor, spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the bustling city below.

Chloe stood at the door and knocked lightly.

"Come in." Donovan's voice came from inside, as cold and emotionless as ever.

Chloe pushed the door open and immediately saw Donovan sitting behind his desk.

He was dressed in a dark suit, his features strikingly handsome, exuding an aura of power.

He was looking down at some documents, but when he heard the door open, he slowly lifted his head.

His gaze was sharp, like an eagle's, scrutinizing Chloe as if he could see right through her.

Chloe felt incredibly uneasy under his stare, like a rabbit caught in a hunter's sights with nowhere to run.

She stood there awkwardly, her hands tightly clenched, her knuckles turning white.

"Mr. Blake, you wanted to see me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Donovan didn't respond immediately, just continued to stare at her.

The silence in the office was suffocating, each second feeling like an eternity, and Chloe felt like she was about to pass out.

She had no idea what Donovan wanted, but this silent scrutiny was worse than any scolding.

Finally, Donovan put down the document, leaned back slightly in his chair, and crossed his hands over his stomach, his gaze still fixed on her.

He spoke slowly, his deep voice carrying an undeniable authority, "Chloe, let's get married."

Chloe's head snapped up, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She wondered if she had misheard or if she was dreaming.

Her mind went blank, unable to process the thought.

'Married? To Donovan? How is that even possible?'

She opened her mouth to speak but found herself unable to say anything.

Donovan watched her shocked expression, a barely noticeable smirk playing at his lips, but his eyes remained cold.

He did not explain, simply waiting for Chloe's reaction.

Chloe's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She thought of her mother's illness, her financial struggles, that chaotic night, and Donovan's cold demeanor.

She didn't know what to do, feeling like a drowning person desperately searching for something to hold onto, only to find herself surrounded by an endless sea.

"Mr. Blake, are you joking?" Chloe's voice trembled, filled with disbelief and a hint of hope.

She wasn't even sure what she was hoping for.

Donovan's gaze was inscrutable, his eyes deep and unreadable.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" he asked, his tone still calm, devoid of any emotion.

Chloe's heart sank further. It didn't seem like Donovan was joking.

But why? Why would he want to marry her? Was it because of that night?

A thousand questions raced through Chloe's mind, but she couldn't find a single answer.

"I..." She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

"I know this is sudden," Donovan's voice interrupted her thoughts, "But I want you to seriously consider it."

He paused, then continued, "I know your situation. You need money and a stable job, and I can provide those for you."

His tone was calm, as if discussing a business deal.

She felt like a commodity being traded.

Chloe's heart ached. Donovan was right; she did need money and a stable job.

But she didn't want to trade her marriage for those things.

Chloe's voice was hoarse, "I actually have a boyfriend. We're very close and already living together."

She emphasized the word "living together", her gaze flickering as she dared not look at Donovan's reaction. Donovan finally looked up, his deep eyes fixed on Chloe, as if trying to see into her soul.

"Since when?" he asked, his voice emotionless.

Chloe's heart raced, trying to calm herself as she recalled moments with her first boyfriend, hoping her lie sounded convincing.

"Just recently," Chloe's voice trembled, "We just moved in together."

"How long exactly?" Donovan pressed, his tone subtly probing.

Chloe felt like she couldn't keep up the lie any longer, but she forced herself to answer, "A week."

After speaking, she nervously watched his expression, afraid he would see through her lie.

Donovan's eyes narrowed slightly, as if contemplating something.

"Chloe," he suddenly spoke, his voice low and deliberate, "My grandfather is very ill. His greatest wish is to see me married."

Chloe was stunned. She hadn't expected Donovan to mention his grandfather.

"So," Donovan paused, then continued, "I need a wife, and you are the most suitable candidate."

"The most suitable?" Chloe repeated, a mix of emotions surging within her.

She didn't understand why she was the most suitable candidate in Donovan's eyes.

She was just an ordinary intern, while he was the high and mighty CEO. There was a vast chasm between them.

"Mr. Blake, why do you think I'm suitable?" Chloe voiced her confusion.

Donovan looked at her, his gaze deep and complex.

"Because you're simple, clean, and obedient."

He spoke slowly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority, "I don't need a wife with too many ideas. I just need someone who can cooperate with me."

So, in Donovan's eyes, she was just an obedient tool.

"Mr. Blake, you could hire someone and get a fake certificate..." Chloe's voice was low, making a last-ditch effort.

"No." Donovan cut her off, "My grandfather needs to see a real wedding, a real daughter-in-law."

Chloe fell silent. She knew that once Donovan made a decision, he wouldn't easily change his mind.

"Five million dollars." Donovan suddenly spoke, naming a figure.

Chloe's head snapped up, looking at him.

"Five million dollars, as your compensation for cooperating with me."

Donovan's tone was calm, as if discussing an ordinary transaction, "The term is one year. After a year, you can take the money and do whatever you want."